Pleaded, Expandable Package for Upright Support of a Cord Product

ABSTRACT

A pleated, expandable, package for a coiled extension cord is expandable to accommodate different size extension cords and supports the extension cord in an upright orientation to display the extension cord.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to a pleated, expandable, wedge-shaped package for a coiled cord product, for example an extension cord. More specifically, the invention pertains to a pleated, expandable, package for a coiled extension cord that is expandable to accommodate different size extension cords and supports the extension cord in an upright orientation to display the extension cord.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Cord products, for example electrical wiring, coaxial cable, and in particular, extension cords, are typically packaged with the cord being folded back on itself several times or with the cord being wrapped in a coil. When displayed for sale, the typical cord in the folded configuration is packaged in a sleeve or wrapper and the typical cord that has been coiled is packaged in a box. In the prior art packaging of cords, the packaging often hides a desirable feature of the cord that would influence a consumer in purchasing the cord. Additionally, the prior art packaging of a cord is often primarily designed to hold the cord in its folded or coiled configuration, and secondarily to display a trademark or advertising message associated with the cord. The cord and its packaging typically lay flat on a store shelf or on other cords in a stack when the cord is displayed for consumers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel construction of a package for coiled cord products, and in particular, extension cords, where the package firmly holds the cord in a coiled configuration and supports the coiled cord uprightly, thereby displaying the cord for consumers. The packaging is economically manufactured from a single blank of foldable material, for example, plastic, paper board, corrugated paper materials, or other equivalent materials. The construction of the package also makes the package expandable, whereby the package can be used for various different sizes of coiled cords. The design of the package blank also requires no gluing or other securing devices separate from the blank to assemble the blank into the package that holds and supports the coiled cord.

The foldable blank material of the package is formed with a center rectangular base that is dimensioned to be set on a surface for the package to hold the coiled cord uprightly on the surface. A trapezoidal front end panel is connected along a fold line to the front edge of the base, and a trapezoidal rear end panel is connected along a fold line to the rear edge of the base.

Left and right rectangular side panels are connected along fold lines to the respective left side edge and right side edge of the base. A plurality of parallel fold lines are formed in each of the left and right side panels, giving the panels a pleated configuration.

Pairs of triangular panels are connected along fold lines to the front and rear end panels and the left and right side panels at each corner of the base. The triangular panels of each pair are separated by a fold line that is the reverse of the fold lines connecting the pair of triangles to the adjacent end panel and side panel.

A rectangular top panel is connected along a fold line to a top edge of the front end trapezoidal panel, and a rectangular top panel is connected along a fold line to a top edge of the rear end trapezoidal panel.

The blank described above is folded around a portion of the coiled cord to form a package containing the portion of the cord. In folding the package to display the coiled cord, the coiled cord is first positioned uprightly on top of the rectangular base. The left and right side panels are then folded upwardly with the pleated fold lines in the side panels conforming around the opposite sides of the coiled cord. The pairs of triangular panels at the opposite sides of each panel are folded inwardly across the front and rear of the coiled cord.

The front and rear trapezoidal end panels are then folded upwardly across the front and rear of the coiled cord. The front and rear top panels are then folded inwardly through the center of the coiled cord. A tab on the rear top panel is inserted into a slot of the front top panel, thereby connecting the two top panels and completing the folding of the package.

With the package folded as described above, the package supports the coiled cord uprightly on end, where a majority of the coiled cord is positioned outside and above the package for viewing by a consumer. The package design exposes a large portion of the coiled cord while securely holding the cord in the upright position, with the package being sufficiently flexible to withstand consumer interaction with the product. No gluing or other types of adhesives or connectors are required in assembling the package. The reverse fold lines at the pair of corners and the plurality of parallel fold lines on the side panels create an elastic-acting action of the package that allows the sides to expand and contract as pressure is applied and removed.

With the package being able to expand and contract, the package allows the consumer to handle the coiled cord without damaging the package by tearing or the package popping open. One size package accommodates multiple size coiled cords. Because the package is formed from a single blank and does not require a separate attachment device to hold the package in its folded configuration, manufacturer of the package uses simple fixtures or jigs which results in less labor cost in manufacturing the package.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Further features of the invention are set forth in the following detailed description of the invention and in the drawing figures.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the package of the invention in its folded configuration.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the single sheet, foldable blank that forms the package of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, but showing the folded package supporting a coiled cord on end in an upright displayed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows the pleated, expandable package 12 for the upright support of a coiled cord product, in particular an extension cord. FIG. 2 shows the flat blank of folding material that is folded to form the package 12. As stated earlier, the foldable material of the package blank 12 may be plastic, paper board, corrugated paper material, or other equivalent types of materials. As described herein, the package blank 12 is formed with a plurality of fold lines. Each of the fold lines are straight, unless otherwise described. The fold lines provide a resilient connection between two adjacent panels of the package 12 that enable the adjacent panels to be easily moved relatively to each other. The package blank 12 shown in FIG. 2 is cut from a larger web of material, with the outer periphery of the package blank 12 being defined by a free edge of the blank that is not connected to any other material of the blank. In describing the panels of the package blank 12, the lower portion of the package blank 12 shown in FIG. 2 is referred to as the front or forward portion, and the upper portion of the package blank 12 is referred to as the rear or rearward portion. The left hand portion of the package blank 12 shown in FIG. 2 is referred to as the left side, and the right hand portion of the package blank 12 is referred as the right side. These terms are used in referring to the orientation of the package blank 12 shown in FIG. 2, and should not be interpreted as limiting the construction of the package of the invention or the use of the package of the invention to any particular orientation.

The package blank 12 has a center rectangular base panel 14. The base panel 14 has a front edge defined by a first end fold line 16, and an opposite rear edge defined by a second end fold line 18. The first and second end fold lines 16,18 are parallel to each other and have the same length dimensions. The base panel 14 also has a left hand edge defined by a first side fold line 22 and an opposite right hand edge defined by a second side fold line 24. The first and second side fold lines 22, 24 are parallel to each other and have the same length dimension.

Although the base panel 14 is shown having a rectangular configuration in FIG. 2, in alternate embodiments of the invention the base panel could have a square configuration.

A left side or first side panel 26 is connected to the base panel 14 along the first side fold line 22. The first side panel 26 has a rectangular configuration, but could have a square configuration. A free edge 28 extends along the first side panel 26 opposite and parallel to the first side fold line 22. A plurality of fold lines 32 are formed in the first side panel 26. The fold lines 32 are spaciously arranged across the first side panel 26, are parallel to each other, and are perpendicular to the first side fold line 22.

A right side or second side panel 36 is connected to the base panel 14 along the second side fold line 24. The second side panel 36 is a mirror image of the first side panel 26. This side panel 36 also has a rectangular configuration, but could have a square configuration. The panel has a free edge 38 on the opposite side of the panel from the second side fold line 24. The free edge 38 is parallel to the second side fold line 24. A plurality of fold lines 42 are formed in the second side panel 36. The plurality of fold lines 42 are spaciously arranged across the panel, are parallel to each other, and are perpendicular to the second side fold line 24.

A front, first end panel 46 is connected to the base panel 14 along the first end fold line 16. The first end panel 46 has a trapezoidal shape. A top, first edge 48 of the first end panel opposite the first end fold line 16 is parallel to the first end fold line 16 and has a length dimension that is larger than the length dimension of the first end fold line 16. The length dimension of the top, first edge 48 being greater than the length dimension of the first end fold line 16 gives the front, first end panel 46 its trapezoidal configuration. The shape of the first end panel 46 is also defined by a pair of fold lines 52, 54 at the opposite sides of the panel 46 that extend between the top, first edge 48 of the panel and the first end fold line 16.

A rear, second end panel 56 is connected to the base panel 14 along the second end fold line 18. The second end panel 56 is a mirror image of the first end panel 46. The second end panel 56 has a top, second edge 58 on an opposite side of the panel from the second end fold line 18. The second edge 58 is parallel to the second end fold line 18 and has a length dimension that is larger than the length dimension of the second end fold line 18. This gives the second end panel 56 its trapezoidal configuration. The trapezoidal configuration is also defined by a pair of fold lines 62, 64 at the opposite sides of the second end panel 56 that extend from the top, second edge 58 of the panel to the second end fold line 18.

Pairs of oblique triangular panels 86, 88, 72, 74, 76, 78, 82, 84 are connected between the first side panel 26 and the second side panel 36 and the front, first end panel 46 and the rear second end panel 56. Each of the triangular panels has an oblique triangular shape, meaning that each panel does not have a 90° corner. Each of the pairs of triangular panels has a center fold line 86, 88, 92, 94. One pair of the triangular panels 66, 68 is connected between the front, first end panel 46 and the left, first side panel 26. Another pair of the triangular panels 72, 74 is connected between the left, first side panel 26 and the rear, second end panel 56. Another pair of the triangular panels 76, 78 is connected between the rear, second end panel 56 and the right, second side panel 36. The last pair of triangular panels, 82, 84 is connected between the right, second side panel 36 and the front, first end panel 46.

A rectangular first, top panel 102 is connected to the front, first end panel 46 along the first edge 48. A first, top fold line 104 connects the first top panel 102 to the first end panel 46. The first top panel fold line 104 has a length dimension that is smaller than the length dimension of the first edge 48 of the first end panel 46. A slot 106 is formed between the first top panel 102 and the first end panel 46 along the first top panel fold line 104.

A rear, second top panel 112 is connected to the rear, second end panel 56 along the top, second edge 58 of the panel. A second top panel fold line 114 extends between the rear, second top panel 112 and the rear, second end panel 56. The second top panel fold line 114 has a length dimension that is smaller than the length dimension of the top, second edge 58 of the second end panel 56.

A tab 116 is connected to the rear, second top panel 112 along a tab fold line 118. The tab 116 is dimensioned to fit through slot 106.

In use of the coiled cord package 12, the package blank is first positioned flat as shown in FIG. 2. The coiled cord, for example and extension cord 122, is then positioned on end on the center base panel 14. The opposite first side panel 26 and second side panel 36 are then folded upwardly about the respective first side fold line 22 and second side fold line 24. The plurality of folds 32 on the first side panel 26 and the plurality of folds 42 on the second side panel 36 are formed around the coils of the extension cord. At about the same time, the pairs of triangular panels 66, 68, 72, 74, 76, 78, 82, 84 are folded across their center fold lines 86, 88, 92, 94 and positioned across the front and rear of the cord 122. The front, first end panel 46 and rear, second end panel 56 are then folded upwardly across the respective first end fold line 16 and second end fold line 18. The first end panel 46 is positioned across the front of the coiled cord 122, and the second end panel 56 is positioned across the rear of the coiled cord 122. The front, first top panel 102 is then folded across its fold line 104 into the center of the coiled cord. The rear, second top panel 112 is then folded across its fold line 114 to a position over the first top panel 102. The tab 116 on the second top panel 112 is inserted into the slot 106 along the first top panel fold line 104 in completing the assembly of the package 12 around the coiled cord 122. FIG. 3 shows the completed assembly of the package 12 around the coiled cord 122.

In FIG. 3 the base panel 14 of the package 12 is set on a surface to position the folded package 12 and coiled cord 122 upright on the surface as shown. The engagement of the first side panel 26 and the second side panel 36 around the opposite sides of the coiled cord 122 hold the cord in its upright orientation. In FIG. 3 it can be seen that the triangular panels 66, 68, 72, 74, 76, 78, 82, 84 and the pluralities of folds 32, 42 in their respective first side panel 26 and second side panel 36 will allow the package 12 to flex in response to forces being exerted on the coiled cord 122. Thus, the construction of the package 12 allows the coiled cord 122 to be handled and moved in most any manner without the package 112 separating from its assembled position on the coiled cord 122.

Although the package of the invention has been described above by reference to a specific embodiment, it should be understood that modifications and variations could be made to the package without departing from the intended scope of the following claims. 

1) A foldable blank for packaging and supporting a coiled cord, the blank comprising: a base panel having a rectangular shape that is bounded by opposite first and second side fold lines and opposite first and second end fold lines; a first side panel connected to the base panel along the fist side fold line; a second side panel connected to the base panel along the second side fold line; a first end panel having a trapezoidal shape, the first end panel being connected to the base panel along the first end fold line; and a second end panel having a trapezoidal shape, the second end panel being connected to the base panel along the second end fold line. 2) The blank of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of triangular shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the first side panel and the first end panel; a pair of triangular shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the first side panel and the second end panel; a pair of triangular shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the second side panel and the first end panel; and, a pair of triangular shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the second side panel and the second end panel. 3) The blank of claim 2, further comprising: each of the triangular shaped panels of the pairs of triangular shaped panels having an oblique triangular shape. 4) The blank of claim 1, further comprising: the first side panel having a first free edge opposite the first side fold line; and, the second side panel having a second free edge opposite the second side fold line. 5) The blank of claim 4, further comprising: the first free edge and the first side fold line being parallel; and, the second free edge and the second side fold line being parallel. 6) The blank of claim 1, further comprising: the first side panel having a plurality of fold lines that extend across the first side panel from the first side fold line; and, the second side panel having a plurality of fold lines that extend across the second side panel from the second fold line. 7) The blank of claim 6, further comprising: the first side panel plurality of fold lines being parallel; and, the second side panel plurality of fold lines being parallel. 8) The blank of claim 1, further comprising: the first end panel having a first top fold line on an opposite side of the first end panel from the first end fold line; a first top panel connected to the first end panel along the first top fold line; the first end fold line having a length dimension; and, the first top fold line having a length dimension that is smaller than the first end fold line length dimension. 9) The blank of claim 8, further comprising: the second end panel having a second top fold line on an opposite side of the second end panel from the second end fold line; a second top panel connected to the second end panel along the second top fold line; the second end fold line having a length dimension; and, the second top fold line having a length dimension that is smaller than the second end fold line length dimension. 10) A foldable blank for packaging and supporting a coiled cord, the blank comprising: a base panel having a rectangular shape that is bounded by opposite first and second side fold lines and opposite first and second end fold lines; a first side panel connected to the base panel along the first side fold line, the first side panel having a plurality of parallel fold lines that are parallel with the first and second end fold lines; a second side panel connected to the base panel along the second side fold line, the second side panel having a plurality of parallel fold lines that are parallel with the first and second end fold lines; a first end panel connected to the base panel along the first end fold line; and, a second end panel connected to the base panel along the second end fold line. 11) The blank of claim 10, further comprising: the first side panel having a first free edge opposite the first side fold line; and, the second side panel having a second free edge opposite the second side fold line. 12) The blank of claim 11, further comprising: the first free edge and the first side fold line being parallel; and, the second free edge and the second side fold line being parallel. 13) The blank of claim 10, further comprising: a pair of oblique triangle shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the first side panel and the first end panel; a pair of oblique triangle shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the first side panel and the second end panel; a pair of oblique triangle shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the second side panel and the first end panel; and, a pair of oblique triangle shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the second side panel and the second end panel. 14) The blank of claim 10, further comprising: the first side panel having a rectangular shape; and, the second side panel having a rectangular shape. 15) The blank of claim 10, further comprising: the first end panel having a first top fold line on an opposite side of the first end panel from the first end fold line; a first top panel connected to the first end panel along the first top fold line; the first end fold line having a length dimension; and, the first top fold line having a length dimension that is smaller than the first end fold line length dimension. 16) The blank of claim 15, further comprising: the second end panel having a second top fold line on an opposite side of the second end panel from the second end fold line; a second top panel connected to the second end panel along the second top fold line; the second end fold line having a length dimension; and, the second top fold line having a length dimension that is smaller than the second end fold line length dimension. 17) A foldable blank for packaging and supporting a coiled cord, the blank comprising: a base panel having a rectangular shape that is bounded by opposite first and second side fold lines and opposite first and second end fold lines; a first side panel connected to the base panel along the first side fold line; a second side panel connected to the base panel along the second side fold line; a first end panel connected to the base panel along the first end fold line, the first end panel having a first top fold line on an opposite side of the first end panel from the first end fold line; a second end panel connected to the base panel along the second end fold line, the second end panel having a second top fold line on an opposite side of the second end panel from the second end fold line; a first top panel connected to the first end panel along the first top fold line; a second top panel connected to the second end panel along the second top fold line; the first end fold line having a length dimension; and, the first top fold line having a length dimension that is smaller than the first end fold line length dimension. 18) The blank of claim 17, further comprising: the second end fold line having a length dimension; and, the second top fold line having a length dimension that is smaller than the second end fold line length dimension. 19) The blank of claim 17, further comprising: a pair of oblique triangle shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the first side panel and the first end panel; a pair of oblique triangle shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the first side panel and the second end panel; a pair of oblique triangle shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the second side panel and the first end panel; and, a pair of oblique triangle shaped panels separated by a fold line connected between the second side panel and the second end panel. 20) The blank of claim 17, further comprising: the first side panel having a plurality of fold lines that extend across the first side panel from the first side fold line; and, the second side panel having a plurality of fold lines that extend across the second side panel from the second fold line. 